As most of you know, browser support for the Flash plug-in will be ending in 2020. When this happens, you will no longer be able to start up Chrome or Firefox and play Webkinz. At the end of 2017 we made a small announcement that we were developing a desktop version of our mobile application to deal with the end of browser support. That application was completed, but we weren’t very happy with it. Screens designed for small phones don’t look great when blown up on a large monitor, and more importantly, what was going to happen to great sections like the Curio Shop, Wish Factory and the Clubhouse that aren’t in our mobile version? We knew we could do better. So we dug deep, got creative, and we can now show you this…
This is the new Webkinz Desktop. This version includes everything that Webkinz has to offer – all the games, items, and features – because it IS Webkinz. Webkinz Desktop still uses Flash – do not delete the plug-in! – but doesn’t require a browser to play the game.
And Webkinz has never looked better! You’ll be able to play Webkinz full screen to see your pet’s rooms even closer. Complete challenges, enjoy all of our events, join friends in the park – it’s all there!
Webkinz Desktop is nearing completion. To ensure that we haven’t missed anything, we will be running a small private beta test in about three weeks. Once that is complete, we will release the application to everyone! Webkinz Desktop is currently for Windows only, but we do plan to make a Mac version available soon after.
We are very excited for the release of Webkinz Desktop, as it will allow us to continue to provide a great Webkinz experience for years to come.
This is a huge disappointment, we won’t be able to download flash if for some reason something happens to our current plugin. It will be disabled after 2020. Why did you do this to us?
austincp10, I was thinking the same thing. If Flash is not going to be updated, or used on browsers, what happens if we have issues with our Adobe Flash plugin? I don’t understand how this is going to work on the desktop. Also, does this mean we won’t have to see those annoying ads on the side of the screen? I really don’t want “ads” on my desktop! I’m hoping with all my heart that the Webkinz Team will save Webkinz. I love this game! But, I’m worried about still using “Flash” with the desk top game, when it’s going to be discontinued in 2020. :-(
Because they are removing Browser Support, it will still be used as a powerful gaming engine. They are funneling all of their flash into gaming and not Browsers. It will still be supported, just the browsers, themselves, won’t use it. That’s why they are making an application for access to the game.
it’s not webkinz’ fault. adobe is no longer supporting flash on browsers.
All I can say is, THANK YOU!!! I was really worried about you all possibly killing off the flash version entirely. I have a lot of nostalgia on the flash version of Webkinz. Thank you for doing this to keep the flash version of Webkinz alive.
So one question I have is that since its going to be full screen, for this to be possible, I assume no more ads on the right side of our screen right? I see that there are no ads in the sample screen shot above, so that made me wonder this.
Hi, it’s Talon! I have this same question as I use AdBlock in Webkinz so if the new Webkinz Desktop will have ads and I can’t use Adblock due to that being a browser only thing, that could be a problem for me. I understand that ads bring in revenue for Ganz/Webkinz, but when I allow them, my Webkinz runs SLOW and often crashes. When I have Adblock on, it runs perfectly fine. Hopefully this question will be answered as well. :)
Hey Talon! That is true because they have done events that allows for you to need ads on, I’m not sure if I have ads or not because the ads I get are only Webkinz or Ganz related, and on my other accounts, I get non webkinz ads, which is annoying. But I’ll look more into it!
Okay yes for Free Accounts it says you cannot turn off third party ads, so that means since I don’t have third party ads, mine are off, its confusing lol!
I am extremel disappointed tht I will no longer be able to use my chromebook to play webkinz. It has been my go-to internet access for years, and being on a limited income I cannot afford a new computer. :-( I have 2 accounts and almost 300 webkinz between the 2.
I’m not sure how this will prevent you from playing Webkinz on your Chromebook?
the desktop app has to be compatible with the operating system. the desktop app might not be compatible with chrome os
While it’s great Webkinz will be sticking around after Flash is removed, I was kinda hoping for an upgrade? I know changing the script the game is running on would require it to be rebuilt from the ground up, but at the same time Flash is getting removed because it’s outdated and no longer being supported. There will be no more security updates or bug fixes, leaving it a vulnerability. I understand Webkinz is reaching the end of it’s life and it’s probably not worth investing in converting script to another application, but that knowledge is what makes this so sad for me.
Oh my goodness – I had a feeling about the waning days of Webkinz, but I’m so relieved they’re making a standalone version. I just hope all the wonderful estore items are included in the desktop version.
I WISH WHILE YOU ARE WORKING ON THIS NEW VERSION YOU PEOPLE WOULD UNFREEZE MY CAR IN THE SPREE GAME
I am so worried. I am a MAC & iPad user and a Deluxe member. How will this affect the mobile usage?
as far as i know, it doesn’t effect the mobile app. That will just continue as ti is now. They are just making it so webkinz doesn’t rely on browsers as in 2020 browsers will be preventing anyone using flash in them.
You mean for the Mobile App? Don’t worry! They’re definitely not getting rid of the mobile app. As a matter of fact, they should be adding more to it soon. But this “Webkinz Desktop” is for computers. I’m pretty sure it will be the replacement for Webkinz on the browser eventually.
Exactly my thoughts! Because i also can only play on webkinz mobile and this article makes it seem like they are going to leave the webkinz mobile app as it is and not put all of webkinz world onto it!!! :(
I hope this new version will repair some or all of the items that do not work, like televisions and animated items? I was so happy you fixed the Ying Yang Blossom plant. So happy. I hope you can fix the animated wallpapers, I never got to see them.
Yes, I really hope they repair the TV’s! I loved watching them.
perhaps it will leave time for them to fix those once they’re done
I’d like to know, out of curiosity, what’s going to happen to the Webkinz Newz. We’ve already been warned that the rewards program will be going bye-bye. :-(
When I asked this question, Sally said that Webkinz Newz is not based on Flash so it will remain on browsers. However, I did not know about the rewards program going away. Where did you get that information?
it was announced around a year ago. if you go to newz blog and search ‘ganz world rewards’ there is a post titled ‘changes to webkinz newz’ it is announced there.
They announced last summer here on the Newz that Ganzworld rewards would be soon be discontinued & they suggested redeeming them now. That was over 6 months ago, I think. And they’re still going. As a Mac user, this is what concerns me most, the elusive “soon” can take awhile. I know you guys at Ganz are working on it, thank you!
Thank you for the replies guys! :)